The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-06-11


life in Advance of the messenger. He
affirmed that there was not verse of
Scripture to bear out the traditional
teaching, but that many Scriptures con-
tanned the charger hope"
The Lutheran preacher with the
larger hope thus closed his sermon !:
"My friend who died ten years ago
without knowing Christ, is in the hands
Of God, who can do no injustice any
where. And what is true for one holds
true for millions" The italics are ours.
The Andover question is thus having
its due effect. 1t creates thought and
provokes discussion. The outcome will
be return to the primitive teachings
of Jesus, adapted, of course, to the de-
mands of the age, and not to the tradi-
lions and dogmas of men.
Two or three thoughts are suggested
by the reported words of the Rev. Mr..
Parsons, who seems to have spoken
with courage worthy of the follower
of Martin Luther:
1. The age in which we live is pro-
gressive. Men, and teachers among men,
are falling into the line and lead of the
thought of the age. Old forms and de-
grading dogmas decay. The truth reigns
supreme.
2. Man may propose, but God will
dispose. Men may seek to bind upon
their fellow-men a series of false no.
lions, and thus handicap their thoughts
and actions. But the power and truth
of God will overthrow all things to the
glory of him who inhabiteth eternity and
rules in the hearts of men.
8. And then rising to the high stand
ard of Gods everlasting truth, and
maintaining it in its primitive simple
ity, and power to conquer by love, and
to free from the traditions of men
which are of no effect, we have the di'
vine commission to go and preach the
gospel to all the world. Paul, without
preaching the horrible dogma of ever
lasting future punishment, went forth
to all classes, knowing nothing save
Jesus and him crucified; initiating the
example of his Master, following his
injunction not influenced by any such
motive as the survival of the fittest
among nations; not waiting the time
when the weaker would be absorbed by
the stronger; the uncivilized by the
civilized, he, almost single-handed and
alone, proclaimed far and near the Cos
pei of infinite love to both the Jew and
Gentle; the Greek and barbarian the
bond and free. 1t is not the selfish
motive of our country first, but the cos
mopolitan idea-the common brother
hood of mankind, that we must regard
and endeavor to reach. Jesus may have
had a circumscribed idea when he said
"The poor ye have with you Away
But in the light of the fatherhood OF
God, and the brotherhood of man,
the expression becomes pregnant with
thought and duty.
One other thought might find express
sion here in regard to the advance Of
Universalism, and the tendency to re-
ceive it. Presented obliquely from pull
pits that have become tempered with
freedom of thought, to pews that have
grown somewhat strong on such food
the doctrine finds ready acceptance
We are thankful to have it thus grow
But when our faith is taught perPendic'
uldrly from the desk of Universalist
church, and made to square with q
right Interpretation of the Scriptures
which proclaim the larger hope" then
we do not find these growing men pres
emit. If men are persuaded in theil
own minds, and have convictions, why
not manifest the courage of their con.
victions and come within the temple
erected,
Lofty as the love of God,
Aud ample as the wants of man."
and worship, and partake of the feast
of good things in the banquet hall, over
which waves the banner of Gods eter-
nal love. But church associations are
presumed to have controlling inau-
ence over the actions Of men. Ties of
long standing are hard to be broken.
But in such case greater is the need
of moral courage to seize the supreme
moment and stand for the right.
The battle is for the truth. Man is
beginning to realize something of the
fruits of the constant struggle for more
light, greater liberty, and larger
hope. The leadership of our captain is
triumphant. The eternal God hath
purposed in his heart, and the power of